Interesting article! Thanks for the link.

I do try to be careful at family gatherings, because of anyone in my family, I would be considered the "eco-nut". I've always been a live-and-let-live kind of person, even when I have to practically bite off my tongue to keep from speaking, lol!

But even aside from the "green" issues, I have no qualms whatever about making Christmas less commercial. Interesting that the article states that many people say they want a less commercial holiday,but then run out and spend big $$$$$ every season. We only buy gifts for our kids, and for the younger nieces and nephews, and we don't go crazy (couldn't afford to if we wanted to, lol!). We (DH and I) don't even really buy for each other.

My kids and I used to make wrapping paper out of old paper bags. Now as all the kids are getting older, we hardly have to use any paper at all, since there are so few gifts.

I have to admit that one area I am struggling with this season is Christmas cards. While it goes against my "green nature" to waste that kind of paper, it also to me is such a lovely and old tradition, and a thoughtful way of letting far-away friends and family know that you are thinking of them. I haven't made a decision on this issue yet.

By the way, last year, a local church set up a fair where they sold charitable donations. For instance, you could donate two bags of groceries to a local family in someone's name, or give to several well-known local and international charities in someone's name, etc. I thought it was a great idea, and these are the gifts I bought for my family. I have to admit to two things, though - 1) I did feel a bit uncomfortable giving these, thinking that my family would think I thought I was superior/self-righteous, etc., and 2) I don't think the family was over-joyed with their presents, lol! Oh well....

:)
Dee

Funny, I'm reading your post and word-for-word you sound just like me. Soul sisters maybe?

I try not to sound like an eco-nut, but I'm pretty sure my family has given me that label already.

Then the card thing, I totally agree. I just love to send them and receive the cards as well. It's the one time of year that I exchange correspondence with so many people. Makes me happy. This year I've really tried to find Christmas cards printed on recycled paper (by the box), and it has been near impossible. The few that I found would likely get me locked up in eco-nut prison ("seasons greenings" or "I'm dreaming of a green Christmas"). Oh so tempting, but I think I'll forgo the recycled paper and choose a card that, at the very least, benefits a charity.

It ain't easy being green.

nwnatural, I haven't looked for cards yet this year (still trying to decide whether to send them!) but I'm disheartened to hear that it was difficult for you to find recycled ones. Although, with the "trendiness" of going green lately, I can see why the cards would say things like "green Christmas". Too bad...

I like your idea of buying some that benefit a charity. Good thinking. I'm sure that I will end up sending cards out. I try to rationalize because I compost and recycle the cards I receive, although that doesn't really take into account the ones I send out, lol!

Your soul sister,
:)
Dee

Thanks Dee.

My family (ok we're mostly econuts) makes it a practice to give charitable gifts (Heifer International is a good one - you donate money for a goat or a cow or a bunch of tree seedlings). Especially good for my 84 year old father, who doesn't need "things" anymore. I haven't made too much progress on the wrapping paper, but we reuse giftbags. Maybe I'll get ambitious and make some fabric ones this year...

I'd love to give gifts of charity, but my family's full of greedy teenagers. And, I prefer to be the "cool" aunt so I indulge them. I do wrap presents in fabric. I find the kids really love the skull-and-crossbones and the camo. Not very Christmasie but it gets reused.